No Longer on the Sidelines

Born in Guatemala, Byron Alvarez, of Loganville, has had a desire to be a U.S. citizen for years. In 2008, he became eligible to apply for citizenship.

Having met Heather Frailey on a Caribbean cruise, they were married in 2004. While they were actively involved in the Georgia governor’s primary race in 2010, and encouraging others to get out and vote, Alvarez realized he was no longer content to sit on the sidelines.

“I wanted to be in the voting booth so I, too, could make a difference,” Alvarez said.

He admits that the lengthy waiting time is the worst part of the process to become a legal citizen. Then there were the many intense interviews throughout the long process and the overwhelming paperwork, but it wasn't enough to discourage Alvarez.

“It’s a long process but absolutely worth it,” he said.

At the same time, he admits to some high points on the days of interviews.

“The officers always came across in the beginning as very strict, impersonal people, but by the end of the interview were very warm and encouraging,” he said.

Being married to a travel agent brought a few unique challenges, which only confirmed his resolve to become a legal citizen.

“We travel a lot and it was stressful every time we traveled out of the country. The question of citizenship/residency was always raised in every country we went to,” Alvarez said.  

Guatemalan citizens are granted access into many countries with nothing more than a passport, but as a resident of the U.S. he was required to produce all sorts of documents such as visas, proof of residency, etc.

“Often when we would return to the U.S., Heather and I would be sequestered to an investigation room by Homeland Security where we were questioned about everything from family history to everyday living habits to be sure I was indeed the same ‘Byron Alvarez’ that left the country.”

July 13^th was scheduled as Alvarez’ final interview. He was to report to Homeland Security at 1 p.m. with the appropriate biometrics and paperwork. During the course of the final interview he expected to be tested on American Civics, history, written English, and spoken English.

“I had been preparing for this interview long before I applied for citizenship. I knew one day I would be tested and it was essential to know all I could about the country I wanted to be a citizen of,” Alvarez said.

Arriving 30 minutes prior to the scheduled interview with every sort of legal documentation that might be required, Alvarez was greeted by his interview officer who was ready to meet immediately. 

“I anxiously and nervously went into a small office and the interview began, where she quizzed me on all of the expected questions,” he said.

After no more than 15 minutes, the officer looked at Alvarez and said, “You’re ready to be an American Citizen, I want to have you sworn in today at 2 p.m. if you can.” 

Alvarez jumped on the opportunity without hesitation, elated to be sworn in immediately. Usually a final interview is followed by waiting for yet another notification of when to return for the swearing-in ceremony. The ceremony proved to be a special experience for his wife too.

"The ceremony was an amazing 45 minutes," she said. "I’ve never been so proud to be an American.”

Alvarez was one of 134 residents from 56 different countries to be sworn in that day. The room cheered as each resident stood up. Many had family and friends scheduled to witness the swearing in, but because of the “surprise,” his wife was the only one in the audience to cheer for Alvarez.

“I was sure to cheer loud enough that Byron felt a room full of support,” she said. “The oath of citizenship was extraordinary as the many different dialects came together in one voice to vow their allegiance to the United States of America. The most moving part for me was the very end when they recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem. The Star Spangled Banner has never sounded more beautiful than it sounded that day in the swearing-in room.”

Attaining U.S. Citizenship is for certain, an arduous process, but Alvarez said he is grateful for the blessing.

“It is something I take very seriously and will cherish my citizenship and pledge allegiance to this great country,” Alvarez said, adding he is disappointed with anyone who immigrates to America illegally.

“I know the process, I lived it, I worked for it, and I know anyone that truly wants to be a citizen can do it the legal way," Alvarez said. "Shame on those that have abused the system, live their lives in hiding and secrecy, attempting to live off what Americans have lived and died defending.” 

He said that the freedom to live in the U.S. can be granted to anyone who makes the effort to do it legally.

“I am opposed to any sort of amnesty as a clear path has been written and formed for immigrants. I applaud state governments like Georgia, Arizona and Utah that have taken steps not against immigration but made great strides in defending the rights of citizens and those who immigrate legally. I urge the federal government to do its part in securing the borders and protecting the rights of citizens of the U.S.

And how did they celebrate? Since the swearing in came as a surprise they haven’t really organized their family celebration, but do intend to share it with their son. As a family that enjoys travel as well as one with a deep appreciation for the United States, it is their intent to take their son to Washington D.C. “to visit all of the many great landmarks of our great nation!”